Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry - Strategic Leadership in Drug Discovery (BOSTON)

Company: Takeda Pharmaceutical
Location: Boston
Posted on: March 25, 2026

Job Description:

By clicking the “Apply” button, I understand that my employment application process with Takeda will commence and that the information I provide in my application will be processed in line with Takeda’s Privacy Notice and Terms of Use. I further attest that all information I submit in my employment application is true to the best of my knowledge. Job Description We are seeking a seasoned and visionary Senior Director of Medicinal Chemistry to join our leadership team. This individual will play a pivotal role in shaping the future direction of our company by providing strategic guidance and oversight to our medicinal chemistry efforts. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in driving our drug discovery initiatives forward, ensuring their successful progression and alignment with our company's overall goals and objectives. By leveraging their expertise, they will significantly influence our strategic decisions and contribute to the advancement of our scientific and commercial endeavors. Additionally, this person will oversee external programs at CROs, managing the design, execution, and progression of medicinal chemistry projects conducted exclusively at these organizations Accountabilities: - Create business development opportunities that meet the strategic scientific, therapeutic, and commercial needs of the organization or specific Therapeutic Area (TA). - Leadership and Strategy: Provide strategic leadership and oversight to the medicinal chemistry department, aligning with the company's overall goals and objectives. - Project Management: Oversee the design, execution, and management of medicinal chemistry projects conducted exclusively at CROs, ensuring timely progress and high-quality outcomes. - Team Development: Mentor and develop a team of internal chemists, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. - Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including biology, pharmacology, and clinical development, to advance drug candidates from discovery through development. - Innovation: Drive innovation in medicinal chemistry through the integration of new technologies, methodologies, and best practices. - Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with relevant regulatory requirements and industry standards. - External Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including academic institutions, industry collaborators, and contract research organizations. Education & Competencies (Technical and Behavioral): - Expected education and experience: PhD degree in Chemistry, Medicinal Chemistry or related discipline with 15 years experience in small molecule projects. - Proven track record of leading successful drug discovery programs, preferably in large pharma. - Leadership Skills: Strong leadership and managerial skills with experience leading and developing high-performing teams. - Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of medicinal chemistry principles, drug design, and optimization processes. - Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to a broad audience. - Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive and innovative approach to challenges. - Collaboration: Proven ability to work collaboratively in a cross-functional team environment. - Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience: Experience in a leadership role within a large pharmaceutical or biotechnology company is highly desirable. - A proven track record of leading projects that are completely outsourced - Publications: A strong publication record in medicinal chemistry or related fields. - Patents: Experience with patent filings and intellectual property management. - Networking: Established network within the scientific and pharmaceutical community. - As part of our global R&D strategy, and unique to the Research organization’s strong lab presence in Shonan, Japan, this role may include the opportunity for a temporary or long-term international assignment in Japan, subject to business needs and final candidate selection. Candidates interested in global exposure are encouraged to apply. Takeda Compensation and Benefits Summary We understand compensation is an important factor as you consider the next step in your career. We are committed to equitable pay for all employees, and we strive to be more transparent with our pay practices. For Location: Boston, MA U.S. Base Salary Range: $208,200.00 - $327,140.00 The estimated salary range reflects an anticipated range for this position. The actual base salary offered may depend on a variety of factors, including the qualifications of the individual applicant for the position, years of relevant experience, specific and unique skills, level of education attained, certifications or other professional licenses held, and the location in which the applicant lives and/or from which they will be performing the job. The actual base salary offered will be in accordance with state or local minimum wage requirements for the job location. U.S. based employees may be eligible for short-term and/ or long-term incentives. U.S. based employees may be eligible to participate in medical, dental, vision insurance, a 401(k) plan and company match, short-term and long-term disability coverage, basic life insurance, a tuition reimbursement program, paid volunteer time off, company holidays, and well-being benefits, among others. U.S. based employees are also eligible to receive, per calendar year, up to 80 hours of sick time, and new hires are eligible to accrue up to 120 hours of paid vacation. EEO Statement Takeda is proud in its commitment to creating a diverse workforce and providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, parental status, national origin, age, disability, citizenship status, genetic information or characteristics, marital status, status as a Vietnam era veteran, special disabled veteran, or other protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, and any other characteristic protected by law. Locations Boston, MA Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type Regular Time Type Full time Job Exempt Yes It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Keywords: Takeda Pharmaceutical, Brockton , Senior Director, Medicinal Chemistry - Strategic Leadership in Drug Discovery (BOSTON), Science, Research & Development , Boston, Massachusetts